PREPARATION
The employment interview is one of the most important events in your career. The 30 to 60 minutes you spend with the interviewer may determine the future of your career. Yet employers are continually amazed at the number of applicants who find themselves at job interviews without any preparation, and only the vaguest idea of what they are going to say.

Others, although they do not intend to do so, create an impression of indifference by behaving as though they'd "dropped in." The person who reports to an interview wearing an open shirt and a sports coat seems to be saying, "What can you do for me? I'll give you a little of my time."

At the other extreme, a few applicants get themselves into a state of mind where they feel as if they are being marched into an inquisition. When they arrive they are in the last stages of nervous fright and unable to do much but perspire and answer in yes and no replies.

These marks of inexperience can be avoided by knowing what actually is expected of you.

Here are some of the things you can do to prepare yourself:

1. Get a good night's sleep the night before the interview so you will be sharp and alert.
   
   
2. Establish the exact time and place of the interview. Always plan to be early. Be aware of the interviewer's full name and title. There may be forms or applications to fill out. Even if you have a resume, always fill out forms completely when requested to do so. Don't write "see resume."
   
   
3. Be certain to present your best professional image. Dress in business clothes, with your hair trimmed, shoes shined. Bring along a notebook and pen to take notes with.
   
   
4. Your general appearance and attitude leave a first impression that lasts. Your handshake, smile and introduction must exude warmth, friendliness and confidence.
   
   
5. Greet the interviewer by surname if you are certain of its correct pronunciation. If you are not certain of the pronunciation, ask for it to be repeated. Shake hands firmly. Take a seat only after it has been offered. Assume a conformable, yet businesslike and alert posture. Don't slouch.
   
   
6. Look your interviewer directly in the eye -- and keep doing it from time to time during your conversation. This is important. Nearly every interviewer is conscious of it. And remember to smile frequently, at appropriate occasions. Some employers like to do most of the talking and judge you by your reactions - the interest, comprehension and intelligence you show. Answer questions directly, with brief explanations.
   Don't answer with just a "yes" or "no", but don't ramble on either. If you think you are talking too much, you are! Stop and ask a question of them.
   
   
7. Other interviewers hardly speak at all, and these can be the hardest to deal with. Their attitude is that it is your job to sell yourself. That is where you will have to call on your own knowledge of yourself and your interest in the work the employer does. In this case ask as many good questions about the job and company as you can.
   
   
8. Make sure that your good points get across to the interviewer -- but try to appear factual and sincere, not boastful. Sell your positive, mutually beneficial skills and qualities that you have gained from prior experiences. Be prepared to answer a common first question like "Tell me about yourself". Give a brief synopsis of where you have been in your career and were you hope to go.
   
   
9. Conduct yourself as if you are determined to get the job. You have other employment options, of course, and the employer is aware of that. But he or she wants to think you want the job you are interviewing for.
   
   
10. Ask some definite questions about the company. This shows interest and experience. Ask me for any information we have about the client prior to the interview. Sample questions are:
    • What is the work to be done?
    • What are the goals of the department or group?
    • What would you like to know about me specifically that will help you best determine whether I am qualified for the position? (Excellent question!)
    
    
11. If you get the impression that the interview is not going well and that you have already been rejected, don't let your discouragement show. You have nothing to lose by continuing the appearance of confidence, and you may gain much. The last few minutes often change things. Once in a while an interviewer who is genuinely interested in your possibilities may seem to discourage you in order to test your reaction. If you remain confident and determined, you have probably made a good impression.
    
    
12. If you are asked if you've been fired -- and you have been -- frankness usually is the answer. Tell the interviewer you've learned from the experience. Also, there is the possibility you got into the wrong job through a misunderstanding.
    
    
13. You may be asked why you left your last two or three jobs. "Return to school", "better pay," "more responsibility," are commonly accepted reasons. Be careful, however, not to give the impression that you are a job "jumper" or "shopper." If you were laid off or terminated, tell them the truth. Try not to be critical of former employers or bosses. If you are involved in legal action with a former employer this is better left unsaid.
    
    
14. If you are offered the job, courtesy dictates that you make your decision within a reasonable time. No employer wants to be second choice or kept hanging. If the offer does meet your objectives, accept it on the spot. This will prevent the employer from feeling discounted and prevent interviewing someone more qualified. Contact me immediately following the interview.
    
    
15. What if the employer offers you a job on the spot, but you have doubts? If you do not want to accept without further thought (or further interviews), play for time. You must not embarrass the person who has made you the offer. Be courteous and tactful in asking for time to think it over. Try to set a definite date when you can provide an answer. This will reassure them that you are giving their offer serious consideration. Above all don't create the impression that you are playing one company off against the other to drive up the bidding.
    
    
16. Employers may check your earnings and references at your present company before or after hiring-- so state you current base and earning level accurately. Over-statements can lose you the job or are grounds for dismissal.
    
    
17. When asked what your desired salary is, whether asked in the interview or on an application, never give a number. Giving a specific salary number can either knock you out of contention or result in a lower offer than was achievable through me. You do not know in an initial interview what remuneration policies the employer offers. There could be performance incentives, hiring bonuses, short review periods, paid overtime, etc .... It's best if offers are made through me. You should always attempt to use phrases like "Based on my enthusiasm for the job and your company, I'd be happy to consider your strongest offer." If you prefer, use "I would really have to know more about the full picture of the opportunity and have a little time to think about it", or "I would like to have the opportunity to discuss salary with and through Automotive Careers". My client does have the right to know your current or most recent compensation level. Your current salary is, after all, what your current or most recent employer (who has seen your work) feels you are worth.
    
    
18. Do not be discouraged if you receive no definite offer or commitments. Do not let discouragement show.
    
    
19. Always express thanks for the interviewer's time and consideration. Ask for a business card for your records.
    
    
20. Immediately after the interview contact me. It is important that I talk to you before I talk to the employer. If you are interested in the position, then I can help you attain it only if I know what has transpired during the interview. If you are unsure about the position, I can address any concerns with the client in the best possible manner.